A weight system comprising a weight material assembly having predetermined dimensions and a container assembly. The weight material assembly comprises weight material comprising at least one of sand and gravel and a weight material bag adapted to contain the weight material. The weight material bag comprises at least a ply of paper material. The container assembly comprises a panel assembly defining an interior chamber, an access opening, and an access flap and a closure system operable in an open configuration and a closed configuration. The interior chamber is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the predetermined dimensions of the weight material assembly. The weight material assembly may be displaced through the access opening and into the interior chamber. With the weight material assembly arranged within the interior chamber, the panel assembly is configured in the closed position and the closure system is operated in the closed configuration.

An umbrella stand assembly includes an auger that is insertable into a granular support surface. A plurality of pivots is each of the pivots is coupled to and extends laterally away from the auger. A plurality of paddles is each of the paddles is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the pivots. Each of the paddles is positionable in a deployed position has each of the paddles to rest on the granular support surface when the auger is driven into the granular support surface. In this way the auger is stabilized with respect to a vertical axis. A tube extends upwardly from the auger and insertably receives a pole of an umbrella. In this way the umbrella is positioned above the granular support surface for shade.

An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube.

A free-standing accessory stand that includes a ground support portion and an enclosure is provided. The enclosure is disposed about a central axis of the accessory stand. The upper surface faces away from the ground support. The accessory stand includes a retractable accessory support that has an outer surface projecting away from the enclosure in a first configuration. A mounting space is provided along the outer surface of the retractable accessory support above the upper surface of the enclosure. The outer surface is retracted in a second configuration.

In one or more arrangements, an umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a upper hub that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by a lower hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the lower hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a rotational lock assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotating tube when locked and permit rotation of the rotating tube when unlocked. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a counterbalance assembly that provides a counterbalance force positioned within a upper hub of the umbrella frame.

An assembly for an umbrella, wherein the umbrella comprises (i) a first pole and a canopy coupleable to the first pole and (ii) a second pole to which the assembly is coupleable, wherein the assembly includes a collar securable about the second pole; an arm coupled to the collar, wherein the arm is rotatable relative to the collar between at least a closed position and an open position; at least one tab depending from the arm; at least a first opening associated with the collar; wherein in the closed position the at least one tab is positioned in the at least first opening and wherein in the open position the at least one tab is not positioned in the at least first opening. The invention is also directed to an umbrella including the aforementioned assembly.

A combined umbrella and canopy (10) that provides the advantages of both of these devices for providing maximum shade. The umbrella portion (12) is substantially similar to a standard beach umbrella having a vertical pole (16) with spokes or ribs (22, 24, 26, 28) extending radially outwardly adjacent the top (20) for supporting a fabric cover (30). The fabric cover (30) defines a front (32) and back (34) and at least two sides of the umbrella. The back (34) of the umbrella includes an additional length of fabric (36) that extends horizontally rearwardly and then curves downwardly and terminates in two spaced apart ends (38, 40). Each end includes a pocket (42, 44) that can be filled with sand to weigh the same down to maintain the ends on the beach. The additional fabric (36) is essentially a canopy (14). The umbrella structure (12) provides better support for the forward end of the canopy and prevents the same from collapsing when the wind conditions change.

In a locking system for a rotating foot of a mast, particularly of a mast for a free arm standing parasol, the mast is rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) defined by the rotating foot and comprises a surrounded mast region. The locking system comprises an operating lever for releasing or locking of the rotating foot which is arranged on the mast at a comfort height (H) of 0.5 to 1.5 m above the rotating foot, wherein the operating lever is movable between a folded-out position and a downwardly folded-in position and thereby cooperates via a lifting bar with stationary engaging elements of the rotating foot, wherein the lifting bar is raised in the release position and lowered in the locking position. To improve operability and operational security, the lifting bar is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation (A) and externally of the surrounded mast region.

A portable shelter includes a frame structure with a plurality of pole structures. In some embodiments, a pole structure includes telescopically movable pole portions and a spring-biasing mechanism configured to bias one pole portion away from the other. In some embodiments, a center hub structure of the portable shelter includes a locking mechanism for engaging one of the pole portions to interfere with telescopic movement of the pole structure. In some embodiments, a pole structure includes a flexible portion attached to a first rigid portion, and a second rigid portion that is movable relative to the first rigid portion. The second rigid portion is pivotable or telescopically movable between a first position in which the second rigid portion overlaps the first rigid portion such that the flexible portion is free to flex, and a second position in which the second rigid portion overlaps and restrains the flexible portion.

An umbrella with an adjustable canopy comprises a canopy adjustment device having a transverse rod connector, an upper clutch gear, a lower clutch gear and a handle; and a transverse rod rotation device disposed on the middle of a transverse rod; the front end of a tilted rod is rotatably connected to the transverse rod rotation device; the bottom end of the transverse rod is rotatably connected to a sliding block through the canopy adjustment device. The upper clutch gear is fixedly connected to the transverse rod; the bottom end of the transverse rod connector is rotatably connected to the sliding block; one end of the handle is rotatably connected to the periphery the upper clutch gear which is against the upper surface of the lower clutch gear. The invention has the advantages of simple and reasonable structure, convenient operation, stable and reliable positioning, and can realize the canopy adjustment only by operating the handle.